Women as Urologists in Saudi Arabia: Career Choice and Practice Challenges: A Comparative Cross-Sectional Study.
Res Rep Urol 2023;
15:273-289. [PMID:
37396016 PMCID:
PMC10314780 DOI:
10.2147/rru.s412713]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background
There is limited research on whether women choose urology as a future career. Therefore, we aimed in this study to assess the influencing and challenging factors among female physicians in Saudi Arabia.
Methods
We approached 552 female physicians, including 29 (5.2%) urologists and 523 (94.7%) non-urologists. A cross-sectional survey was carried out, which included five sections and 46 items to assess and compare the perspectives of (urologists and non-urologists regarding influencing factors to choose urology, challenges toward applying to urology, and challenges during and after urology residency. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS software. Responses were presented as frequencies and percentages, while associations were studied using the Chi-squared test/Fisher's exact test. A p-value of ≤ 0.05 was considered significant.
Results
Out of 552 female physicians, 466 completed the survey. The survey items compared urologists and non-urologists among female physicians. Among both cohorts, the most influencing factors in choosing urology were the diversity of practice and urological procedures (p =0.002, p<0.001). There were no social barriers or challenges when applying for urology residency (p<0.001). Overall, the majority of female urologists reported a high level of agreement that they have more time to work at the clinic (55.2%), they are satisfied as they are currently being urologists (75.8%), satisfied with their current lifestyle (72.6%). They would choose urology again as a future career (58.6%). Non-urologist female physicians 326 (74.6%) think they are more likely to have experienced gender discrimination than urologists 15 (51.7%) (p<0.001). Female urologists were less likely to face social barriers when applying for urology residency than non-urologists (p<0.001).
Conclusion
As urologists, we must understand women's struggles, such as gender discrimination, a lack of academic advancement, and a lack of mentorship. To foster women's careers in urology, we must understand their unique needs, provide adequate mentorship, exterminate gender discrimination bias, and improve mentorship.
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